Gleneagles Hotel & Spa by ESPA – A Breathtaking Scottish Escape
By Lisa BrownBuilt in the 1920s, the charming chateauesque building set in 850 acres of stunning Perthshire countryside is the perfect Scottish escape.
Most famous for its championship golf course, the vast estate also boasts super-luxe suites, a posh shopping arcade, an equestrian and shooting school, a falconry centre, Michelin starred restaurant and, of course, a state of the art spa.
An esteemed retreat for a plethora of famous fans – Sean Connery, Andy Murray and The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge have all graced the grand doors of Gleneagles…
Often cited as the ‘Best Spa in Scotland’ the award-winning Gleneagles Spa by ESPA offers a serene escape from bustle of the hotel. Candle-lit corridors and tranquil relaxation areas, complete with day beds, hypnotic water features and a courtyard
garden, lead to an impressive hydro and thermal area with ice and tropical showers, a eucalyptus steam room and saunas.
Treatment rooms are designed with a nod to the Orient and the therapists and practitioners are some of the best I’ve encountered. Italian restaurant Deseo doubles as the spa cafe serving delicious detox lunches and juices.
The Gleneagles Signature Experience begins with a calming foot ritual using local river-washed stones to stimulate reflexology points on the feet. A full body exfoliation follows, then a muslin-wrap of herbal infusions with ingredients sourced from the nearby countryside. The holistic experience continues with a full body massage and a tension relieving pink clay scalp massage. A wonderful holistic overhaul and a complete top to toe rejuvenation – I was on cloud 9! I was totally chilled, with silky smooth skin, a rosy glow, a relaxed body and a stress-free head.
Other treatments include ESPA Age-Defying Facial, Ayurvedic Body Treatments, Reiki, Reflexology and Volcanic Stone Massages.
The hotel offers a vast array of traditional and modern rooms and suites. We stayed in room 580 – an open plan contemporary suite with a cosy coal effect fire, gigantic bed, freestanding bath and separate monsoon shower, and a huge decked balcony overlooking the gardens. All rooms offer complimentary fluffy gowns, slippers and a generous supply of products from luxury British brand Asprey.
A choice of five restaurants scatters the hotel. At the renowned Michelin starred, Andrew Farlie at Gleneagles, you can sample the celebrated chef’s signature smoked lobster (created with a twelve-hour infusion over Whiskey barrels!). The Strathearn serves up French and traditional Scottish dishes and at Deseo you can chomp on wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta and sweet Italian treats. The Dormy Clubhouse Bar & Grill serves classic bar food throughout the day.
Don’t miss the Falconry lessons where you’ll learn how to fly some of the estate’s amazing birds of prey – you’ll also get to meet Fattie the Golden Eagle!